記事番号: 1-1903
公開日 2019年09月25日
Habu snakes
If you spot a snake > Call the police (110)
If you are bitten > Call the fire department (119)
Habu are a group of venomous snakes native to Okinawa and other islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Color varies slightly by species, but in general the snakes are dark green and yellow with a triangular head, measuring up to 2m in length.
Habu are usually encountered in dense vegetation or on the roadside. Although habu are sometimes seen in urban areas, they are more numerous in isolated rural areas. They are often found in and around tombs, in sugarcane fields, in caves, and in stone walls. In Okinawa, these and other snakes are most active during the spring and fall. They are for the most part nocturnal.
If bitten, symptoms include paralyzing pain, swelling at the bitten point, and internal bleeding.
Safety measures
- Consider carrying an anti-venom kit if you are hiking or working outdoors in an area far away from a hospital
- Do not approach a habu snake to take pictures
- Use a flashlight at night in poorly lit areas
What to do if you are bitten |
1 Stay calm and confirm that you have been bitten by a habu snake. Habu bites have two distinct fang wounds and is accompanied by swelling and paralyzing pain after about 5 minutes. |
2 Call for help. Moving around vigorously aids the circulation of venom. Please call an ambulance. |
3 Suck out the venom. If you do not have the appropriate device, you may use your mouth (applicable within 5 minutes of being bitten). If you have wounds in your mouth, you will experience inflammation, but there is no danger. |
4 Tie up the affected limb. Make sure to leave enough space for one finger to pass through. Cutting off circulation may lead to the loss of the affected limb. |
Box jellyfish (Habu Kurage)
Habu Kurage are venomous jellyfish sometimes found in the warm waters of Okinawa. They tend to appear from May to October, and are 12cm in diameter and about 1.5m long. They have 4 legs with each leg having 8 tentacles.
Habu Kurage stings can cause permanent scarring, and due to the toxicity of its venom, can also lead to cardiac arrest and even death.
Safety measures
- Swim in areas protected by jellyfish netting
- Cover as much of your body as possible when swimming and snorkeling
- Bring cooking vinegar to the beach
What to do if you are stung |
1 Do not wash the affected area with sand or fresh water. |
2 Gently remove the jellyfish with seawater or cooking vinegar. |
3 Apply ice or cool water to the affected area to soothe pain |
4 Call for an ambulance. |
5 Try not to panic and remain calm. |